CSE ends down 0.61% to six-week low

Thursday, 17 September 2026 05:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market fell sharply yesterday to a six-week low on concerns over rising oil prices and a potential hike in interest rates.

With 172 counters ended in red against 46 in green, the ASPI ended down 0.61% or 128.72 points at 21,133.41 and the S&P SL20 declined 0.49% or 29.38 points to 5,947.29.

Turnover was over Rs. 1.6 billion on nearly 69.4 million shares traded and foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 8 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse remained under pressure with selling sentiment continuing amid elevated global oil prices and concerns over a potential increase in interest rates. These concerns continued to weigh on investor sentiment limiting buying interest across the market.

Turnover continued to remain low, with retail and HNW investors contributing broadly in line with average levels. However, HNW participation was above average and was particularly concentrated in conglomerate counters.

The food beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 48%, followed by the capital goods, and banking sectors collectively contributing 25%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and RIL Property. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sunshine Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, RIL Property and Overseas Realty whilst retail interest was noted in LVL Energy Fund, Lanka Credit and Business Finance and Janashakthi Limited.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Sunshine Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores whilst the sector index edged down by 0.11%.

The share price of Sunshine Holdings fell 20 cents to Rs. 29 and Ceylon Cold Stores moved up by Rs. 1.25 to close at Rs. 120.25. The capital goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings whilst the sector index decreased by 0.87%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost 20 cents to close at Rs. 19.10.

Commercial Bank and John Keells Hotels were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Bank fell 50 cents to Rs. 203.50 and John Keells Hotels declined by 40 cents to close at Rs. 16.